There’s no doubt that when you’re planning a vacation, you want things to go as chaos-free as possible. Planning a vacation can be a full-time job in itself, especially if you wait too long or don’t have all the important details ironed out ahead of time. Renting a car or a minivan may not seem like such a big deal, but if you don’t rent the right type of vehicle for your needs and you don’t reserve your rental car well in advance of your vacay, you could end up with major trouble on your hands. You could even lose money or precious vacation days trying to find alternative transportation at the last minute. Following is information on car and the different types of rental cars available.
Compacts, subcompacts, and economy cars
Many people who rent cars are traveling alone or in couples. For these purposes, small cars often are sufficient, especially for those who are looking to save money on fuel economy (and in today’s economy, who isn’t?!). Compact cars, sometimes also often referred to as economy cars, such as the Ford Focus, Nissan Versa, and Chevrolet Aveo are perfect for single or double travelers. These are also great for folks who’ll be traveling in urban areas, as parallel parking on crowded city streets can be much simpler with a smaller car. Economy cars are ideal for people who are on a strict budget. It’s important to note, however, that smaller cars leave little room for stretching out. If you’re traveling a long distance, even if alone or with just one partner, you may want to consider renting a car that offers a little more wiggle room. It’s also important to note that not all car rental companies use the terms ‘economy’ and ‘compact’ interchangeably. If you’re looking for a car that’s great on fuel and your budget, ask for an economy car.
Sedans and coupes
If you’re traveling with a few people, or you just want more room to stretch out, a medium-sized sedan or coupe may be your best bet. Many models in the mid-sized range are good on gas, offer more wiggle room, and don’t cost an arm and a leg to rent. Models such as the Ford Taurus, Nissan Sentra, and Chevrolet Impala typically are considered mid-sized cars that offer budget-conscious travelers breathing room as well as fuel economy. If you’ve got 4 or 5 people, you may want to consider a mid-sized car over a smaller car that seats up to 5, but doesn’t have as much room.
Minivans and sport utility vehicles
For those who have a party of 6 or more, a minivan or SUV may be the way to go. Additionally, if your party is carrying a lot of luggage and other items such as skis, snowboards, etc., you may want to consider opting for one of these full-size vehicles in order to have enough room for passengers as well as additional cargo space for supplies. The Dodge Caravan and the Ford Expedition typically are choices that fit into this category for these purposes. If you have 8 or more people, you may even want to consider a very large, 12-passenger Ford E350 van.
Luxury vehicles
Some travelers choose to ride in style, and their budgets allow them room for luxury. If you’re someone who’s looking for leisure and opulence as you drive, there are luxury rental cars that are perfect for you. Premium models such as the Lincoln Town Car offer luxury for those who insist on no less. There are even some SUVs that fit into this category, such as the Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Hybrids
Finally, for those who insist on green, many rental car companies offer a selection of hybrids. The most popular of these is probably the Toyota Prius, which is good on gas and great for single or double travelers. Note that hybrids generally go quickly, so it’s important to book these in advance if you’re set on a green trip.
Before renting a car you have to determine which type of rental car is right for your needs. Fuel economy, number of people, amount of luggage … these are all elements that will go into determining which type of rental car will best fit your purposes. On top of that, you need to know the types of rental cars that are available. But car rental doesn’t have to be a headache. Contact a car rental company in Jersey City for more information on choosing the right type of rental car for your next vacation.
